Montenegro Customs Boosts Valuation Skills in WCO Workshop

Montenegro Customs Boosts Valuation Skills in WCO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop on customs valuation for Montenegrin customs officials. The workshop aimed to enhance their professional skills and master the use of valuation databases for risk assessment. Covering the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation, valuation methods, and practical case studies, the workshop assists Montenegrin customs in better fulfilling their duties, safeguarding national revenue, and ensuring fair trade. The training is expected to improve their ability to accurately assess the value of goods and effectively identify potential risks associated with import and export activities.

Samoa Enhances Trade Efficiency with Customs Workshop

Samoa Enhances Trade Efficiency with Customs Workshop

The World Customs Organization successfully held a TRS (Time Release Study) workshop in Samoa, supporting the country in optimizing customs procedures and improving trade efficiency. The workshop brought together representatives from various sectors to discuss the TRS methodology in depth and develop a national action plan. This initiative will promote trade facilitation in Samoa, enhance its international competitiveness, and provide a reference for other developing countries. The implementation of TRS aims to streamline processes and reduce clearance times, ultimately benefiting Samoa's economy.

Egypt Boosts Customs Skills Via WTO Training Program

Egypt Boosts Customs Skills Via WTO Training Program

The World Customs Organization and the Commercial Law Development Program jointly held a customs valuation workshop in Cairo to enhance Egyptian customs officials' understanding and application of the WTO's Customs Valuation Agreement. The workshop covered a review of the agreement's principles, analysis of key technical issues, sharing of US customs experiences, and practical case studies. This initiative aims to support Egypt in building an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

WCO Enhances Jordan Customs with Advanced Training Program

WCO Enhances Jordan Customs with Advanced Training Program

The WCO assisted Jordan Customs in establishing an internal trainer team to enhance training capabilities. A competency-based approach was adopted to support customs modernization. Data analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and optimize resource allocation. This initiative strengthens Jordan Customs' ability to deliver effective training programs and contribute to regional and international customs cooperation.

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization issued Advisory Opinion 23.1, clarifying that low-price transactions of flash sale goods can be used as a basis for customs valuation, provided they comply with the Valuation Agreement and the transaction is genuine and valid. This opinion guides cross-border e-commerce enterprises in compliant declaration, reduces trade risks, and provides customs authorities with scientific valuation methods, promoting the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. It emphasizes adherence to existing valuation principles while acknowledging the unique characteristics of flash sales.

WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "East African Post Clearance Audit Instructor Training Program" (MTP). This initiative aims to cultivate a high-quality regional instructor pool, enhance the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities of East African customs administrations, and facilitate trade. Through systematic training, curriculum development, and expert guidance, the program seeks to improve PCA skills, promote trade facilitation, strengthen regional cooperation, and achieve sustainable development in the region.

WCO Aids Niger in Customs Reform to Enhance Revenue

WCO Aids Niger in Customs Reform to Enhance Revenue

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continuously supports Niger Customs in enhancing its valuation capabilities. This support includes organizing training workshops, providing technical assistance, and supplying toolkits. These efforts aim to empower Niger Customs to take ownership of valuation processes, fostering a more equitable and efficient trade environment. Ultimately, this leads to improved revenue collection and contributes to economic development in Niger.

Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

The 2019 WCO European Regional Heads of Customs Conference focused on topics such as regional transit system compatibility, performance measurement, e-commerce, and the WCO Strategic Plan. The meeting emphasized the importance of integrity and digital transformation, and also addressed the appointment of the new Head of the ROCB in Baku. The conference aimed to enhance the effectiveness of European customs administrations and promote regional trade development. The Russian Federal Customs Service was highly commended for its organizational work.

Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) has been launched in Bolivia to enhance customs modernization through capacity building. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the project covers areas such as risk management, advance rulings, and organizational development. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ensures the project's smooth implementation. This initiative aims to help Bolivia better comply with international trade agreements and promote economic development.

New Framework Aims to Boost Gender Equality in Global Trade

New Framework Aims to Boost Gender Equality in Global Trade

During the 2019 WTO Global Review of Aid for Trade, the WCO co-organized a side event focusing on gender mainstreaming in trade facilitation. The meeting highlighted the importance of gender equality, revealing barriers to women's participation in trade. Experiences from the EU and Uganda were shared, and the WCO presented its tools and initiatives to promote gender equality and diversity in customs. This event laid the groundwork for future efforts to promote gender equality within Aid for Trade initiatives.